Roberto Carlos calls it a day

04 July 2006 08:28

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Roberto Carlos has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's defeat to France in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
The Real Madrid star has called it a day after playing 128 times for his country but the 33-year-old thinks it is the right time to step down.
"On the Selecao my story has ended," he said.
"I want to open space for new blood. I hope I can give this number six jersey to someone who might carry on this victorious history."
Meanwhile, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has refused to resign in the wake of his side's shock exit from the tournament and will hold talks with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) before announcing his future plans.
"I've already taken the decision but, before making any announcement, I want to speak with Ricardo Teixeira who is an old friend and a person for whom I have great respect," he said.
"This was a winning generation, with a pedigree going back to 1994. The defeat against France will obviously stick in the memory, but only as long as it takes Brazil to win the World Cup again, as I am certain we will do in 2010."